Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's formation due to external scrutiny would have signaled "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary back three formation with wing-backs and chose to use an orthodox back four shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his side clung on for a win - securing only their second shutout of the season.
While he once memorably remarked that not even the highest authority could compel him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the option to experiment with different setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were faring sufficiently well - lest it would look as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I recognized maybe I don't have the squad to excel in that system, but it was the commencement of a journey," he commented.
"The goal was to establish an philosophy. Today is a different juncture. We lack a full complement of players, and we have to adjust, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the influence of the media, or the faithful.
"When media criticize changing the system constantly, I cannot make a change because the players will think I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our system, that is the opportunity to adapt.
"We are going to grow into a more complete team because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not planning to play with three defenders in every match."
Squad Crisis Loom Large
With just two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a severely stretched roster, with seven first-team stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be urging his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue providing insight.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are bad things sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
While the exact date for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
